Sage Announces New Fly Fishing Collection

Known as a leader in the field of fly fishing gear development, the annual announcement of next seasons new collection from Sage is eagerly awaited to see what the guys and girls up on Bainbridge Island have been working away on for the past months and often much longer.

Sage Manufacturing announces the release of its 2014 premier collection of high performance rods called the METHOD series. These ultra-fast fly rods use Sage’s proprietary Konnetic technology. The METHOD delivers high line speeds and tight loops for extreme distance and wind-cutting casts all while maintaining critical accuracy and feel.

“Being able to offer fly rods that perform to the expectations of the most demanding anglers in any casting situation is the main reason behind designing the METHOD. Sage’s DNA is synonymous with fast-action rods, and through Konnetic technology, we’ve taken seriously smooth, ultra-fast action performance to a new place entirely,” comments Sage Chief Rod Designer, Jerry Siem. “Our newest high performance rods will make any caster better but will help experienced casters notch exceptional casts with regularity.”

“Overall, the fast action ONE rod is still and will continue to be our flagship series for a wider range of anglers,” notes Sage Marketing Manager, Eric Gewiss. “The METHOD series makes it possible to take casting abilities to whole new level. It performs quickly and accurately close-in, but if anglers are looking for an ultra-fast action rod that is lightweight, exceptionally smooth yet has the extra punch for farther casts and windy conditions, this rod is for you.”

Twelve single-hand models will be available in 4-6 weights for freshwater with a cocobolo wood insert and black reel seat components paired with a snub-nose, half-wells grip. The saltwater capable 6-11 weights feature a black aluminum reel seat and a full wells handle and fighting butt. Nine Spey and switch models feature a high-grade cork fore and rear grip.

The METHOD rods will range in price from $800-$1,050 and will be available August 1, 2013. Blanks will also be available for each model.

New Sage MOTIVE Rods Make Saltwater Fly Fishing More Accessible

As more and more anglers take to saltwater to expand their fly fishing experiences, Sage introduces the MOTIVE fly rod series. MOTIVE saltwater rods are constructed of time-proven materials and embody Sage’s immense experience pursuing many hard-fighting saltwater species. The MOTIVE features an all-new taper design creating a powerful, fast-action rod that loads quickly to deliver heavy saltwater flies with the distance and accuracy the sport demands.

MOTIVE rods feature a strong butt section with fighting butt and full-wells grip to provide the necessary strength to fight and control large game fish. Heavy saltwater lines slip easily through the oversized guides, and the aluminum reel seat and saltwater compatible components round out the features. Built on a bluefin blue blank, the rods have blue primary thread wraps with royal blue and black trim wraps and come in a blue steel colored, ballistic nylon rod tube with divided liner.

MOTIVE rods will be available at retail in August 2013 with five, nine-foot rods ranging from 8 to 12 weights. The rods will retail for $425.

Sage Reimagines Reel Design with the EVOKE

Introducing a completely new reel design called the EVOKE. These reels provide anglers with all of the drag strength and adjustability they desire coupled with a unique structural design that offers distinct fishing benefits. The reels feature a modified full frame design that contains the line while at the same time allowing access to both rims of the spool for palming while fighting fish.

“In our ongoing effort to push the boundaries of innovative reel designs, our R&D team developed this amazing modified frame,” notes Eric Gewiss, Sage marketing manager. “The top part of the frame is closed which eliminates the possibility of errant line mishaps while the bottom of the spool is exposed so the angler can apply palming or fingertip pressure to either side of the reel.”

The large arbor EVOKE reels use the same proven Sealed Carbon System drag design as Sage’s popular 6000 series reels. The large, easy-to-grab, one revolution drag knob has detents from 1 to 39 for more finesse when dialing-in the desired drag resistance.

EVOKE reels are fully machined and will be available in both 8 and 10 weights. The reels come in three color options including: stealth/platinum, bronze/platinum and stealth/blaze. The 8-weight reel retail price is $575, the 10-weight retails for $595 and the spools retail for $275 and $295, respectively. Both reels will be available in August 2013.

Two New Reels From Sage Offer Anglers Affordable Quality

This summer, Sage also reveals the 3200 and 2200 series, two new fully-featured fly reel designs offered at prices every angler will appreciate.

The fully machined, durable 3200 series is based on the proven 4200 reel design. These reels include a custom stainless steel clutch bearing inside Sage’s reliable Sealed Carbon System for a drag that performs every time. The large arbor design allows for quick retrievals, and the large, one revolution drag knob ensures the drag is set correctly at a quick glance. Available in three sizes to accommodate 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8 weight lines, 3200 series reels come in two colors including black/platinum and platinum. These reels range from $199 to $239 and will be available at retail stores in August.

Sage’s new, large arbor 2200 reel series are machined die cast aluminum, but thanks to a refined machining process, these reels have exacting tolerances resulting in a more finished look than traditional die cast reels. The reels feature fully machined handles and drag knobs and are highlighted by Sage’s Sealed Carbon System drag technology. Anglers will appreciate the technical design features at an attractive price. Available in line four models for line weights 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10. The 7-8 and 9-10 sizes are ideal for Switch and Spey anglers thanks to ample capacity for larger line diameters. 2200 series reels come in black/platinum and black/blaze for a surprising retail price of $129-$159. Available at retail stores in August.

Travel Confidently with Sage’s New Fly Rod Tubes and Cases

Updated in form and function, Sage’s new Ballistic Rod Tubes feature heavy duty ballistic nylon, lockable zippers, updated shoulder straps, reinforced end caps and divider pockets. Available in multiple sizes including single and multi-rod tubes, single rod/reel cases, spey rod/reel cases and double rod/reel cases, anglers have plenty of options for daily use or for extended travel. Ranging in price from $40 to $75, Ballistic Rod Tubes come in 17 size options and will be available in August.

Sage’s Traditional Rod Tubes offer anglers a classic, lightweight option for the most popular sizes of freshwater and saltwater rods. Available in the stealth color with a platinum colored Sage medallion, both 2 and 2.25-inch models accommodate a wide selection of fly rods. The freshwater Rod Tubes will retail for $65 and the saltwater for $70. Both will be available in August.

About Sage:

Founded in 1980, Sage was created with one idea in mind—to build the world's finest performance fly rods.Passionate about creating fly fishing products that continually exceed expectations, Sage strives to seek performance advantages through new materials and designs based on a foundation of research and innovation. Sage also offers fly reels, fly lines, apparel, accessories and luggage for avid anglers. For more information, please visit www.sageflyfish.com

Have a look at this very nice video from Sage featuring rod designer Jerry Siem telling the story of the Circa fly rod